A Remote Control Ball Might Be the Most Enjoyable Way to Learn to Code

Originally released in August of last year, Sphero's SPRK , and its accompanying Lightning Lab mobile app, allowed aspiring developers to write their own programs to control a Bluetooth-connected ball. But it wasn't as simple as just telling it to drive forward, backwards, left, or right. Complex programs could be created through the app, allowing the ball to navigate mazes, autonomously explore a room, or even serve as a fortune-telling Magic 8-Ball.